SNE NETWORK.CHANDIGARH.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on a pharma company in Punjab. This action has been taken against Nectar Life Sciences Limited located in village Haibatpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr) district. NGT has imposed an interim fine of Rs 5 crore on the company for violating environmental rules. Nectar Life Sciences is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures antibiotics. This company was allegedly discharging highly polluted chemical waste into the fields, causing huge damage to crops and land.
The NGT has also questioned the functionality of the Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB). The tribunal directed the board to initiate criminal proceedings against the guilty company and determine the final amount of environmental compensation.
Failed to meet Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said that the company has not been able to meet the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) standards till now and is continuously violating the Water Act.
Disposal of waste containing antibiotics
The company mainly produces antibiotics. The wastewater contains residues of medicines like cephalosporin antibiotics. Which are highly toxic and difficult to degrade. NGT has directed for a detailed investigation of the wastewater.
Interim fine of Rs 5 crore
The company’s annual turnover is Rs 1,698.66 crore. NGT calculated a compensation of Rs 8.5 crore on the basis of 0.5% turnover for the current financial year. An interim fine of Rs 5 crore has been ordered to be deposited by PSPCB within two months.
Illegal water discharge and smoke emission
NGT said that the company has committed several environmental violations. These include black smoke coming out of the boiler. Improper disposal of wastewater. Partial operation of the effluent treatment plant (ETP). Manipulating groundwater usage data, etc.
Strict instructions for the future
NGT directed the PSPCB to regularly inspect and ensure that the company is strictly following environmental laws. Also, criminal cases should be registered against the company for past violations.